Student Profile - Igna Sinicina

BA (Hons) Salon Business Management

I came to UCB as an Erasmus student and I was planning to stay here for 6 months. During my Erasmus semester I was studying HND Salon Management in a beauty course and I have really enjoyed it as it was different from my studies in Lithuania's Vilnius College. This course gave me a lot of management knowledge and practical experience, whereas in my country studies in this speciality are based more on the medical side. So I have decided to continue my studies in Lithuania as a part-time student and became a full-timer at UCB .

The assessment system in HND Salon Management is mostly based on individual assignments and presentations, which helped me to improve my English speaking and writing language, also my time management skills. As well, this course involves placement. My first placement as beauty therapist I have done in one of the biggest Spa in Lithuania. My second placement was in England's local beauty salon, where I had an opportunity to run the salon as a manager and gain experience dealing with customer service issues.

During the first year I was living in student's accommodation in Cambrian Halls. It was very convenient location, because it is just 2 minutes away from the College. I made in there a lot of good friends, which helped me with exploring Birmingham. Later I have decided to rent a flat with my best friend.

The UCB provides different activities for the students. I was a member of the student guild, where I could earn extra money by helping on College open days. As well I was given an opportunity by Martin Stanton (international students' co-ordinator) for three years to represent the College in Lithuania's the most important education exhibition.

After two years I had my graduation in both countries England and Lithuania. I was planning to start working as a full-time beauty therapist in one of the salon in Birmingham, because there were not any further studies relevant to my profession. But then thankfully UCB has approved a new course BA (Hons) Salon Business Management. I was really happy to continue my studies and gain more knowledge and experience for my future career.

I know that I will never regret it and if in future there is an opportunity to study Master's degree in beauty industry pathway, I will do it even without a consideration.